A Veteran of Infinite Buffs - Chapter 88

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 88

I confirmed that my stats had surged beyond a total of 100.
I could truly feel the difference—this was what a ranker-class buffer could accomplish.
With this level of stat enhancement, I found myself thinking I could actually stand against monsters more powerful than myself.
“…Kael?”
My stats had increased so dramatically that I’d been staring blankly at my status window.
Even with the dungeon’s final reward right before my eyes.
From Bella’s perspective, it must have felt like I was staring intently at her right after our high-five.
“Ah, my apologies.”
“Lead the way, Kael.”
Hearing Tuuram’s reproach, I turned my attention back toward the final reward.
“There won’t be any trapped chests, will there?”
“Dungeons with lots of traps might have them, but this is a completely new dimensional-grade dungeon, so there shouldn’t be any traps.”
“That’s a relief. Then Bella, would you do the honors?”
“Sure. I won’t be shy then. Here goes.”
The chest opened, and brilliant light poured forth.
I tensed, thinking it might be a beam attack, but since no damage came through, I relaxed and continued observing the opening ceremony.
“Ah! So it was this?”
Inside the chest lay an old pocket watch.
Despite its age, it was preserved without a speck of dust.
“What is it?”
“It’s an artifact! This seems to be an item needed for the main dungeon too!”
“I see. Then you’ll be able to attempt the main dungeon as well. Congratulations.”
“Haha. Thanks. I really do need this, so would it be alright if I took all the spoils?”
“I have no objections to whatever you decide, Bella. Besides, I’ve leveled up considerably.”
After all, I had already obtained a clear reward in the form of buffs.
With the overwhelming stats I’d gained, even my 9 unused points felt trivial.
Moreover, the water buff I’d thought would remain abundant for quite some time now had only five charges left.
It was right to be satisfied with the permanent buffs at this level.
“So please take what you need without hesitation.”
“Really? Are you sure? Apart from the initial rewards, nothing else seems particularly valuable.”
“I’m certain. I’m not in a financial bind, and I believe this horn will prove useful for quite some time to come.”
Tuuram chimed in as well.
“Kael speaks truth! The power of the sun is magnificent!”
“So it seems.”
“Hehe. You’re an interesting Ancient One. If you ever need my assistance in the future, feel free to contact me anytime. I’ll visit the hospital again soon.”
“Thank you.”
As soon as I received the final reward, the world began to distort.
It appeared to be the dungeon’s closing sequence.
“I’ll need to handle maintenance outside. Tuuram, retreat for now.”
“Understood.”
“Once we’re back, use the power of the sun sparingly. You understand, right?”
“Hmm. If that’s what you say, then I understand.”
The moment Tuuram crossed through the Dimensional Gate, my vision flickered.
When I opened my eyes again, the Canyon stretched out before me—the same one I’d seen before entering the dungeon.
“….”
Bella was silently mouthing words toward empty air.
She appeared to be sending whispered messages to her Guild members about the dungeon conquest.
I decided to send a whispered message to Chae-rim as well.

[Kael: Chae-rim, everything alright?]
[Il-ho: Yes. I came to a restaurant with Beta Aunt.]

Having a high-level NPC by her side certainly eased my worries considerably.
Besides, experiencing Liam’s food culture would be a valuable experience for Chae-rim.
I was satisfied with how things were unfolding.

[Kael: Good. Order whatever you’d like to eat. I’ll bring back some gifts.]
[Il-ho: Really? I’ll be waiting!]
[Kael: Yeah. See you soon.]
[Il-ho: Okay!]

Among all the things that bothered me, one stood out: my nickname.
Il-ho—a name forced upon me by others—was something I desperately wanted to change.
For now, there was no way to do it, but I resolved that if an event ever offered a nickname change ticket, I would seize it without hesitation.
“Phew. You’re back. That must have been exhausting.”
“You as well, Bella.”
“Are you heading back right away? I didn’t realize so much time had passed—it’s been so bright in there the whole time.”
“Right? The flow of time definitely feels different in there.”
Outside the Dungeon, evening had fallen.
It seemed that one of the unique mechanics of the Twisted Timeline was an environment bathed in sunlight.
“There are no carriages running to Ath Village nearby in the evening. We’ll need to stay the night, if that’s alright with you?”
Honestly, long-distance travel posed no problem for me whatsoever.
I had movement skills like Gale Rush, and now I could even transform.
Carrying Bella while flying might be impossible, but if I shifted into a four-legged animal form, that would change everything.
“That works for me.”
Still, there was a reason I didn’t want to leave immediately.
I had an interest in the nearby village.
According to Bella, this village in the area was where Shamans—one of the hidden classes—were cultivated.
I reasoned that even if they weren’t numerous, there would be players who walked the path of the Shaman.
“Tuuram mentioned that Shamans existed in his original dimension, back in ancient times too.”
I figured that shamanism surely had buffs of its own, and secrets unique to the Shaman class.
If there was a buff considered the pinnacle among Shaman abilities, wouldn’t it deserve a permanent spot in my arsenal?
“Oh! So you’re interested in shamanism? That makes sense—you do love buffs, Kael.”
“Exactly. Since my class is all about close combat, there’s something addictive about that sense of omnipotence when power surges through you.”
“Ha. Well, everyone has their tastes, right? This way.”
“Got it.”
I followed Bella’s guidance as we continued walking.
After a long trek, we spotted Ath Village.
“Wow. The atmosphere here is completely different from Liam.”
“Right? It has such a mystical feel, doesn’t it? Back in the day, people used to flock here because of rumors about hidden classes and such.”
“I can see why.”
The architectural style alone wasn’t medieval fantasy.
Despite being part of Meriam Kingdom Territory, traditional decorative pieces reminiscent of Nepal were erected throughout, creating an air of mystery.
“These animal decorations are all unfamiliar. They almost look like monsters.”
“Right. According to Shaman players, they’re called divine beasts—creatures you can only encounter in the spiritual realm.”
“I see.”
Unfortunately, they didn’t seem to be monsters I could hunt.
I’d hoped they might be classified similarly to ancient creatures for cooking purposes, but that was disappointing.
Soon we encountered the guards protecting the village.
They wore uniforms similar to those of the guards in Liam, which felt oddly out of place.
“Halt. Identification check.”
The identity verification process was straightforward.
If the stone the guard handed me didn’t change color when I touched it, I passed.
Apparently, people from other kingdoms would be marked with different colors, but that wasn’t relevant to us.
“Identity confirmed. Have a pleasant evening.”
“Thank you for your service.”
I entered the village.
Scattered flames flickering through the dim landscape harmonized beautifully with the mountain village, creating an atmosphere brimming with emotion and charm.
“…Wow.”
This was a sight I could only see in my previous life.
The nights were so dark that torches had to be installed everywhere.
And even that only came after we’d established ourselves somewhat.
Simply lighting a fire would draw all manner of monsters swarming toward us.
Now I didn’t need to worry about such things.
This was a civilized, safe village.
“It has a nice, quiet atmosphere, doesn’t it?”
“Yes. I never expected it to be like this. I’ve only visited villages in Belhard before, so this is my first time seeing a village with such a different architectural style.”
“Hehe. The Meriam Kingdom has several other villages with unique atmospheres, you know? I’ll show you around next time.”
“I’m looking forward to that too. Does each distinctive village have its own unique hidden class?”
“Yes. That’s the established theory. There’s still one Fishing Village in the kingdom where a unique hidden class hasn’t been discovered yet, and because of that, it’s incredibly crowded—though not quite at Liam’s level. There are even famous sashimi restaurant owners who’ve settled there, so you can enjoy fresh sashimi with excellent knife work.”
“Oh really? Once I’m discharged, I should visit a sashimi restaurant with Chae-rim and then check out the Fishing Village if the food is good.”
“Oh! I want to go too!”
“If our schedules align, let’s go together. Since today is Chae-rim’s last day in the hospital, I’m planning to log out in three days and handle the discharge procedures.”
“I see. How will the schedule work out? If I have time and get permission from the Guild Master, I’ll log out and head to the hospital as well.”
“Sure. I’ll treat you all.”
“Oh. You know some good restaurants?”
“I don’t want to set expectations too high, but I’ll do my best.”
I’d come to understand one personal truth.
Money doesn’t lie.
Expensive food is worth its price.
Exceptions certainly exist, but at least for most restaurants, this holds true.
“Oh. While we were talking, we’ve already arrived at the lodging. Should we book a room first and order some late-night snacks?”
“Hmm. Personally, I’d like to explore the village a bit more.”
“Then let’s walk around and grab food as we go. There’s a plaza that’s formed something like a night market.”
“Really? It’s been a while since I’ve been to a night market.”
The lodging Bella had chosen seemed to be on the expensive side of this village—no NPCs were visible.
It was the same type of case as the Light and Salt Inn.
“I’ll quickly book a room, so please wait a moment?”
“Of course.”
Bella booked a room as promised and quickly returned, and we headed straight for the village plaza.
In the center of the plaza stood a massive pile of firewood stacked high like a campfire, with vendor stalls arranged in a circle around the towering flames.
“I thought about the food trucks the players had set up, but looking at their attire, most of them seem to be NPCs.”
“That’s right. Unlike the Fishing Village, this place has had its hidden class conquered. Ah! Let’s head over there first. Ath Village is famous for the food they sell there.”
“Yes, let’s go.”
Following Bella’s guidance, I arrived at a stall selling food similar to dumplings.
The savory aroma continuously whetted my appetite, truly giving off the impression of a popular vendor.
“Welcome! Our Kukuri is in excellent condition today! How many would you like?”
“Just four, please.”
Bella ordered the dumplings with practiced ease.
I wasn’t sure what Kukuri was, but judging by the savory meat aroma, I suspected it was something similar to meat dumplings.
“What is Kukuri?”
“Ah, it’s a lizard-like monster that’s easy to catch around these parts.”
“…So it’s lizard dumplings?”
“Yes! It’s a delicacy you can’t enjoy in reality. Hehe.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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